New to website in Eastern NC

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I am a weekend carpenter who loves remodel work. I have remodeled many houses in my short 27 years, and I recently flipped a property (found a person desparate for a sale and put him with a buyer interested in his property). I basically used some cell phone minutes getting everyone together and charged a percentage. I have a few questions about real estate investing....

1. When I find a distressed property that the bank has taken possession of, but not yet for sale, how do I get ahead of everyone to make the offer?

2. How do I find hard money lenders in my area? I have beacon 700+ d/i <40%. I would like to get 100% financing for the completed project, which would still be significantly less than sell price.

3. Could someone send me some ideas on good letter formats and statements to say in letters to send to owners of properties that are empty or having troubles renting.

4. What do I need to do to get the realtors in my area who sell foreclosures to notice me and give me first dibs on properties?

Thanks. I have enjoyed this website and reading everyone's response. It seems everyone is eager to help.